Models Of Plasma Kinetics And Problems With Their Interpretation In The Current Paradigm

Proposed by A.A. Vlasov in 1938, the kinetic equation with a self-consistent electromagnetic field led to a fundamentally new perspective in plasma physics. This equation represents the most profound approach to the description of plasma because it operates directly with plasma particles using the distribution function. Plasma is found everywhere in space; that is why this equation has an extensive application. A large number of works where the study of plasma properties based on the solution of the Vlasov equation have appeared. However, the results based on the solution of the Vlasov equation should be assumed with caution. As noted in the manuscript, the Vlasov equation has a set of formal solutions. The researcher must have the ability to select the correct solutions, correct in the sense of their adequacy to the processes under investigation. Some aspects of the polarization of a magnetoactive plasma are investigated. It is shown that neglecting the electric field in problems of such sharply inhomogeneous structures as a boundary or current layers leads to an inadequate model. Thus, the successive solution of the kinetic equation taking into account the electric polarization field indicates that the equations describing the equilibrium of these sharply inhomogeneous structures become nonlinear and exhibit the property of structural instability. Natural science over time included the expansion of the field of numbers from natural to real. Now, physics is in the stage of semi-recognition of complex numbers. On the one hand, when solving the differential equation, the physicist finds the value of the roots of the characteristic equation in a complex field. However, at the final stage, all imaginary parts are discarded, and only real values of physical quantities are passed in response. In this case, the complex field has a fundamental feature that distinguishes it: it is algebraically closed. The restriction of physical quantities only to the field of real numbers seems logically unsatisfactory since often mathematical operations derive them from the field of the original definition. In this manuscript, some problems of the complexification of physics are investigated

Plasma Science and Engineering transforms fundamental scientific research into powerful societal applications, from materials processing and healthcare to forecasting space weather. Plasma Science: Enabling Technology, Sustainability, Security and Exploration discusses the importance of plasma research, identifies important grand challenges for the next decade, and makes recommendations on funding and workforce. This publication will help federal agencies, policymakers, and academic leadership understand the importance of plasma research and make informed decisions about plasma science funding, workforce, and research directions.

Plasma catalysis is gaining increasing interest for various gas conversion applications, such as CO2 conversion into value-added chemicals and fuels, N2 fixation for the synthesis of NH3 or NOx, methane conversion into higher hydrocarbons or oxygenates. It is also widely used for air pollution control (e.g., VOC remediation). Plasma catalysis allows thermodynamically difficult reactions to proceed at ambient pressure and temperature, due to activation of the gas molecules by energetic electrons created in the plasma. However, plasma is very reactive but not selective, and thus a catalyst is needed to improve the selectivity. In spite of the growing interest in plasma catalysis, the underlying mechanisms of the (possible) synergy between plasma and catalyst are not yet fully understood. Indeed, plasma catalysis is quite complicated, as the plasma will affect the catalyst and vice versa. Moreover, due to the reactive plasma environment, the most suitable catalysts will probably be different from thermal catalysts. More research is needed to better understand the plasma–catalyst interactions, in order to further improve the applications.

Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.

Written by a carefully selected consortium of researchers working in the field, this book fills the gap for an up-to-date summary of the observational and theoretical status. As such, this monograph includes all used wavelengths, from radio to gamma, the FERMI telescope, a history and theory refresher, and jets from gamma ray bursts. For astronomers, nuclear physicists, and plasmaphysicists.